By Amy Batista, Special Writer
CRANBURY — Several local police departments will be participating in National Night Out on Aug. 5 as they join thousands of other communities across the nation to heighten crime awareness and enhance community relations.
Cranbury Township will be hosting its second National Night Out co-sponsored by Cranbury F.O.P. Lodge No. 68. at Village Park located on Maplewood Avenue from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Some of the activities include DJ Reggie, moon bounces, a dunk tank, child identification cards, ice cream, refreshments, and more. Police, fire and rescue vehicles will also be on display.
The introduction of National Night Out, "America’s Night Out Against Crime", in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, according to its website.
Usually held during the first week of August, National Night Out now involves more than 37.8 million people and 16,124 communities from all 50 states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.
The traditional "lights on" campaign and symbolic front porch vigils turned into a celebration across America with various events and activities including, but not limited to, block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from emergency personnel, rallies and marches, exhibits, youth events, safety demonstrations and seminars, in effort to heighten awareness and enhance community relations, according to its website.
Wast Windsor’s event is sponsored by Mayor Janice Mironov and members of the Township Council in conjunction with Chief of Police James Monahan and the police department and will take place on from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the East Windsor P.A.L. complex located at 30 Airport Road.
The event will feature police, fire and emergency medical services equipment and crime watch information.
To volunteer to help or get a business involved, contact Cranbury Township National Night Out Coordinator Patrolman Michael Cipriano at 609-395-0031 or [email protected].

